Aging is one of the leading causes that is associated with brain dysfunction, degeneration, and disease. Progressive inflammation in the brain due to age adversely affects brain function and increases susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers in Dr. Karl Deisseroth's lab have engineered a channelrhodopsin variant that can be stimulated by red light and has fast stimulation frequencies. In neurons, channelrhodopsins are light activated protein channels that induce action potential firing.
Researchers in Dr. Bingwei Lu's lab have identified genes that could serve as therapeutic targets for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a common neurodegenerative movement disorder affecting 1% of the population over the age 60.